We are all surrounded by hundreds of thousands of different microorganisms. Bacteria literally swarm on all possible surfaces, and among them there are both beneficial or neutral to humans, and pathogens. Handrails in public transport, money, elevator buttons, handles of carts and baskets in the supermarket and many other things familiar to us are a transit point for many bacteria. Once in our hands, they are easily transferred to the mucosa, and through it to the body, at the risk of infecting a person with a variety of diseases, such as flu or staphylococcus. It is easiest to deal with this by washing your hands, but in conditions where water and soap are not available, a convenient solution for sanitation is a special antibacterial hand gel.
The composition of the gels for individual hand disinfection
In order for the gel to kill microbes on the surface of the hands, it may contain:
- Ethyl alcohol - it is safe for humans, but in just 15 minutes it can kill almost all viruses and germs. Scientists reassure those who are afraid of the effect of alcohol on the skin: there is less harm from it than from frequent exposure to soap and water when washing hands.
- Triclosan is an antiseptic that is less harmless. Triclosan kills literally all microorganisms, both good and bad, and if abused, it can lead to disorders in the human hormonal and immune system.
Also, components that reduce the drying effect of alcohol and triclosan, such as vitamin E, aloe extract, or natural oils, are often added to a hand gel with an antibacterial effect.
Advantages and disadvantages
Antibacterial hand gel is a very convenient format for cleaning the skin from dirt and germs. Gels do not need to be washed off or washed with a napkin, they are instantly absorbed, and you can be calm for clean hands. That is why it is good to have a tiny bubble with you when traveling, for example, on an airplane or when visiting a hospital. Also often dispensers with such a gel are equipped with small catering points where it is not possible to place a wash basin.
In all other cases, when it is possible to wash your hands with soap under running water, it is better to do just that. It's all about the harm of destroying absolutely all the germs. Antiseptics do not distinguish - a bad bacterium or a good one, they kill them all indiscriminately. And this can lead to impaired microflora on the surface of the hands, and then to impaired body functions. In addition, the frequent use of triclosan will lead to the fact that sooner or later the body will lose sensitivity to antibiotics - its microflora will simply rearrange and mutate, which means that it will be difficult to cure it when serious viruses enter the body.
Antibacterial components are also harmful for children, especially small ones. An absolutely pure child is an attractive target for allergens and various diseases. Therefore, in the case of children, it is possible to use such gels, but as little as possible.
How to choose
Buy antibacterial hand gel only in pharmacies or take those whose brand you know well. Only in this way can you be sure of the safety of the product and that the content of the sanitizing component is in a concentration that is harmless to humans.
Give preference to products without fragrances and fragrances, they are hypoallergenic. The presence of skin-softening components is also good; they neutralize the negative effects of ethyl alcohol.
Most popular brands
Among the most popular and high-quality sanitizers available on the market, the leader is Dettol antibacterial hand gel. Gels are available in bottles of 50 ml, you can choose one of four options - moisturizing, softening, refreshing or without additives. The price of the gel is 250 rubles.
Another popular product is Sanitelle gel with oils or silver ions in the composition. The safety of these gels has been confirmed by Russian research institutes and independent laboratories. The price of this brand is a little more than 100 rubles.
Another popular brand is Cleanberry, in its line of ethanol-based gels with a variety of odors. In addition to alcohol, the gels also contain shea butter balls and panthenol, which help soften and heal the skin. However, despite the advantages, many say that this antibacterial hand gel has too intrusive and unpleasant odors of fragrances. Reviews recommend paying attention to the classic odorless gel. The price of products in the line is 172 rubles.
Baby gels
Safe and reliable gels, for example, “Fixi gel” from the Sanitelle brand, are produced to protect children's hands from viruses and bacteria that lie in wait. The bottles are decorated with cartoon characters, and the antibacterial hand gel itself smells deliciously like cherries, chewing gum and other smells. Price - 109 p.
Gels from the brand Michel Laboratory Dr. Hand designed specifically for children, and you can use them without fear for health and safety. The smells of a ripe apple, a cheerful banana or berry fantasy will surely please the kids, and they will be happy to use an antibacterial hand gel. The price of a 50 ml bottle is only 65 rubles.
Alternatives and analogues
If you still want to kill germs, you can use alternative methods. Frequent hand washing, not with antibacterial, but with ordinary soap, may well compete with antibacterial gels.
Also a good antiseptic is natural essential oils. They are also capable of killing pathogenic bacteria, but they do not harm health, and, importantly, bacteria cannot adapt to the active substances of oils, which means that this remedy will never fail.
In cases of increased danger, for example, if you have to visit a clinic in the midst of an influenza epidemic, you can also use antibacterial wipes for hands. They work just like gels, but they can also remove contamination mechanically.